Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has changed Denmark’s defence policy dramatically.

After many years of falling a long way short of NATO’s goal of spending 2 percent of its GDP on defence, along with standing outside the EU’s joint defence co-operation, Denmark is now taking a different approach.

Last year, a large majority of Danes voted yes to join the EU’s defence co-operation. Now the Danish government is ready to invest 143 billion kroner in defence over the next 10 years.

Historic turning point
Of the 143 billion, about 105 billion must go to “new defence and security policy priorities”, explained the defence minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, this morning.

“We are at a historic turning point in defence and security policy. There is war in Europe, and we can no longer take peace for granted. It is a historic economic boost,” he added.

The plan is to pave the way for Denmark to spend 2 percent of its GDP on defence and security by 2030 at the latest.

Poulsen’s aim is to reach a political agreement with other parties before the NATO summit in July.

Investment increases over time:
The government has these preliminary proposals for how the 143 billion kroner should be used:

– The total financial framework is 143.2 billion over the next ten years.

– In 2023, 6.7 billion will be set aside, and in 2032 the annual amount will be 19.2 billion.

– Of this, 105.4 billion is set aside for new defence and security policy priorities.

– Out of the total framework, 26.9 billion must go towards putting buildings in order, building IT and strengthening personnel over the next ten years.

– In addition, 10.9 billion must be set aside over the next ten years for necessary investments in personnel and materials.

Source: Ministry of Defence